Looking to hire a Vancouver mobile DJ and found yourself asking, what does a mobile DJ do? How is a mobile DJ different from a club DJ? What do you need to become a successful mobile DJ? How much money can you make as a mobile DJ? Where do you get your music? In this article, we’ll answer all these questions and more.
Introduction To A Mobile DJ
A mobile DJ from VanDJs is a professional who provides music and entertainment services at various events, such as weddings, birthdays, corporate events, and parties. They are called “mobile” DJs because they bring their own equipment to the event location and can travel to different venues.
What Does a Mobile DJ Do?
A VanDJs mobile disc jockey’s main responsibility is to provide high-quality music and entertainment that suits the occasion and the audience. They work closely with their clients to understand their music preferences, event theme, and other requirements. They also need to be able to read the crowd and adjust the music accordingly to keep everyone engaged and entertained.
Apart from playing music, a mobile DJ from VanDJs may also provide other services such as MCing, lighting, and sound system setup. They need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with clients, guests, and other vendors.
Difference Between a Mobile DJ and a Club DJ
While both mobile and club disc jockeys play music, there are some significant differences between the two.
Venue
A Vancouver club DJ performs in a club or a bar where there is a fixed set of equipment and a specific type of audience. In contrast, a Vancouver mobile DJ performs at various venues, such as wedding halls, outdoor events, and private parties.
Music Selection
A club DJ generally plays a specific genre of music, such as techno, house, or hip-hop, and focuses on creating a seamless mix to keep the club-goers dancing. In contrast, a mobile DJ needs to have a broader repertoire of music to cater to the diverse preferences of the audience.
Equipment
A club DJ uses the club’s sound system and lighting equipment, which are usually of high quality. A mobile DJ, on the other hand, needs to have their own equipment, including speakers, mixer, turntables, and lighting, which they bring to the event location.
What Does a Mobile DJ Need?
To become a successful mobile DJ, you need the following things:
Equipment
As a mobile DJ, you need to have your own equipment, including speakers, mixer, turntables or DJ controller, and lighting. You should invest in high-quality equipment that can produce clear, powerful sound and provide various lighting effects.
Music Collection
As a DJ, your music collection is your most valuable asset. You should have a vast collection of music that covers different genres and eras. You can purchase music from online stores such as Beatport or iTunes, subscribe to DJ record pools, or rip music from CDs.
Marketing Materials For A Mobile DJ
To promote your services, you need to have marketing materials such as business cards, brochures, and a website. You should also be active on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, where you can showcase your work and engage with potential clients.
Skills and Knowledge
To be a successful mobile disc jockey, you need to have the following skills and knowledge:
- Music selection and mixing
- Equipment setup and operation
- Crowd reading and interaction
- MCing and public speaking
- Event planning and coordination
- Business and marketing
How Much Does a Mobile DJ Get Paid?
The amount of money a mobile disc jockey can make depends on several factors, such as the location, the type of event, and the experience and reputation of the DJ. On average, a mobile DJ can earn between $100 and $300 per hour.
Where Do Mobile DJs Get Their Music?
One of the most crucial aspects of a mobile DJ’s job is having a vast collection of music to play. There are several ways mobile DJs can get their music.
Online Stores
Online music stores like Beatport, iTunes, and Amazon Music are excellent sources for buying and downloading music. These stores offer a vast selection of music from different genres and eras. Mobile disc jockeys can purchase individual tracks or entire albums.
Record Pools
Record pools are subscription-based services that provide DJs with exclusive music and remixes. Record pools offer a wide range of music from different genres, including hip hop, R&B, EDM, and more. These services also provide DJs with advanced notice of new releases and access to remixes before they are available to the public.
Ripping from CDs
Mobile DJs can also rip music from their CD collections. However, this method is time-consuming and may result in lower quality tracks if the CDs are scratched or damaged.
How Do Mobile DJs Get Their Music?
Once a mobile disc jockey has obtained their music collection, they need to organize and manage it effectively. Here are some tips on how to do it:
Create Playlists
Organizing music into playlists can make it easier to find the right tracks quickly. Mobile DJs should create playlists for different events, such as weddings, parties, and corporate events, and organize them by genre and era.
Use DJ Software
DJ software such as Serato, Traktor, and Virtual DJ can help mobile DJs manage their music collections. These software programs allow DJs to browse and search their music libraries, create playlists, and perform live mixes.
Stay Up-to-Date
Mobile DJs need to stay up-to-date with the latest music releases, trends, and remixes. They can do this by subscribing to record pools and following music blogs and websites.
Conclusion
Becoming a mobile disc jockey can be a rewarding career for those who love music and entertaining people. A mobile DJ’s main responsibility is to provide high-quality music and entertainment that suits the occasion and the audience. Mobile DJs need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with clients, guests, and other vendors.
While there are some significant differences between mobile and club DJs, both require a passion for music and a deep understanding of the craft. To become a successful mobile disc jockey, you need to invest in high-quality equipment, have a vast collection of music, and develop essential skills such as music selection and mixing, equipment setup and operation, and event planning and coordination.
Mobile DJ FAQs
- What is the difference between a mobile DJ and a club DJ?
- A club DJ performs in a fixed venue, while a mobile disc jockey travels to different locations.
- A club DJ focuses on a specific genre of music, while a mobile DJ needs to cater to a diverse audience.
- How much does a mobile disc jockey get paid?
- On average, a mobile disc jockey can earn between $100 and $300 per hour.
- Where do mobile DJs get their music?
- Mobile DJs can get their music from online stores, record pools, and by ripping CDs.
- How do mobile DJs manage their music collections?
- Mobile DJs can manage their music collections by creating playlists, using DJ software, and staying up-to-date with the latest releases.
- What skills do mobile DJs need to have?
- Mobile DJs need to have skills such as music selection and mixing, equipment setup and operation, crowd reading and interaction, MCing and public speaking, event planning and coordination, and business and marketing.